Tom Jondahl

Tom Jondahl, retired Sheriff of Mendocino County, died on September 22, after a valiant battle against lung cancer over a period of nearly two years.

Tom was a man of integrity; a great fun-lover (and practical joker), but also a serious and conscientious man. He was a proud law enforcement professional for thirty two years, serving as police chief in three California communities before being elected Sheriff of Mendocino County in 1974.

After his retirement from Mendocino County in 1983, he traveled extensively in the U.S. and also traveled to Korea, India, South Africa and Norway in recent years. He treasured his visits to South Africa and seeing the beauty of the animals in the African bush and he was thrilled to visit the town of Jondal, Norway from where the first Jondahl's originated, and where some family members remain.

Tom lived in Sandpoint, Idaho for most of the past fifteen years. He and his wife of five years, Joanie, relocated to Green Valley, Arizona recently, giving up the pristine beauty of northern Idaho, but gaining the sunshine and relaxed living of Arizona.

Tom is survived by Joanie, who was courageously by his side during his final years. He was preceded in death by his late wife of 46 years, Becky.

He leaves behind daughter Terri Jondahl and her husband Richard Drye, of Buford, Georgia, daughter Tammi Weselsky and her husband Bruce Weselsky of Ukiah, son Thomas Edward Jondahl and his wife Sandra, of Austin, Texas, stepdaughter, Sherri Gravier and her husband Bruce of Laytonville, grandchildren, Alisa Weselsky Arrington and her husband Bryan Arrington of Ukiah (and their two children Ty Bruce and Cadence Rebecca), Thomas Blake Jondahl of Austin, Texas and step grandchild Kevin Gravier and his wife Amanda, along with sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews around the country.

Tom was a member of the Ukiah Elks Lodge for 30 years.

Services will be held at Eversole Mortuary at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 5, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge.

Hospice played a very valuable role in Tom's final days and the family invites those interested to consider supporting their local hospice in Tom's memory. Flowers are certainly welcomed at the service and the celebration for those so inclined.

A memorial website has been established on www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/tomjondahl and the family would love to have folks share their stories about Tom on this site so that they can treasure the memories forever.